West End Review’s 2026!
For the twelfth time, Razzamataz Theatre Schools gave its students the incredible opportunity to perform on a West End stage, this year at the Shaftesbury Theatre, home to some of the most loved and iconic shows in London’s theatreland.
From start to finish, the day was truly magical, giving young performers the chance to share an unforgettable experience with friends and create lasting memories for every family member watching proudly from the audience. From the buzz of excitement backstage to the final bows beneath the bright West End lights, the experience is one that will shape each young performer and was a celebration of the dedication and hard work of every Principal, teacher and student involved.
Act 1
Sutton Coldfield – Make a Change – MJ The Musical
Sutton Coldfield delivered an electrifying opening to the show with Make a Change, a high-energy tribute to the iconic music and movement of MJ The Musical. From the very first moment, the performance embodied an unmistakable history of song and dance, immediately commanding the attention of the audience.
The piece opened with a single, powerful voice, confidently sung and setting the tone before the rest of the cast joined in seamlessly. A special mention must go to a young performer who confidently executed Michael Jackson-inspired choreography with cool precision. Every iconic move was performed with clear intention, demonstrating careful study and a deep understanding of the style behind the steps.
Storytelling sat at the heart of the performance, with song and dance working together to bring MJ’s legacy to life. Featuring hit after hit with no fillers, the routine maintained momentum throughout, keeping the audience fully engaged. The simplicity of Man in the Mirror was particularly moving, with pure joy shining from every performer on stage.
Taking on Thriller is no small task, yet this group of young performers rose to the challenge with confidence and flair, delivering every iconic move the audience hoped for. Finishing with an upbeat mash-up of MJ’s greatest songs, Sutton Coldfield closed their performance in true Razzamataz style, cool, confident and bursting with attitude.
Stockton On Tees – It’s a Hard Knock Life – Annie
It was the first time at the West End from the team at Stockton-on-Tees and the students stepped confidently onto the stage with a fresh and fearless take on the classic Annie. Featuring a cast of young performers, the group were completely unfazed by the scale of the occasion, delivering a performance full of energy, personality and charm.
The production brought Annie bang up to date, while still honouring the much-loved original. Clear, loud vocals rang out across the auditorium, immediately showcasing the confidence of the performers. It’s a Hard Knock Life was performed with a lively, up-tempo routine perfectly suited to today’s young performers, packed with sassy attitude and sharp character work that kept the audience smiling throughout.
Tomorrow was delivered with confident vocals that reached right to the back of the large theatre, demonstrating impressive projection and stage presence. While this may have been the first time many of the performers had appeared on a stage of this size, you would never have known. The cast played effortlessly with the audience, using cheeky expressions and expressive performances to bring their characters to life. Every performer had clearly developed their role fully, resulting in a confident, cohesive and thoroughly entertaining performance that marked an exciting milestone for this growing school.
Cambridge – Rock On! – Rock of Ages
Cambridge lit up the West End stage with Rock On!, delivering a powerhouse performance that celebrated the spirit of rock. Bursting onto the stage with an energetic dance routine and eye-catching 80s-inspired costumes, the cast immediately transported the audience to the iconic world of Rock of Ages.
The choreography was both fun and challenging, capturing the essence of rock while allowing each student to shine. Dreams truly came alive on stage as the performers threw themselves into every movement with confidence, energy, and undeniable enthusiasm.
The performance balanced moments of high-octane energy with stillness and powerful monologues woven into the dance routines. These shifts in pace added depth and maturity to the piece, creating a genuine connection with the audience and showcasing the full range of the students’ skill set.
From start to finish, Cambridge demonstrated not just technical ability but also character, passion, and a stage presence that made the performance unforgettable.
Brentwood, Romford & Hornchurch, Thurrock, Billericay, Chelmsford and Maldon – Make ‘Em Laugh – Singing in the rain
From the golden days of Hollywood to the bright lights of London’s West End, this extraordinary cast brought colour, energy and creativity to the stage in Make ‘Em Laugh. Handling props like umbrellas with expert precision, the performers delivered classic musical theatre choreography with flair, proving that even the trickiest routines can be mastered with confidence and style.
On a chilly London evening, this cast brought warmth and joy to the theatre, impressively combining dance, song, and acting. Their American accents added an extra layer of drama, transporting the audience straight from the UK to the heart of Hollywood, and showing remarkable maturity in their performance.
The iconic Make ‘Em Laugh sequence was executed with cheeky, old-fashioned slapstick brilliance, every performer perfectly in tune with the humour and timing of this classic number. Yet the cast didn’t stop there, they seamlessly brought the performance into 2026 with a cool street dance sequence, showcasing the Razzamataz curriculum’s unique blend of musical theatre, commercial dance, and contemporary performance skills.
Bognor Regis & Horsham – You’ve got to pick a pocket or two – Oliver
Bognor Regis & Horsham delivered a captivating performance with You’ve Got to Pick a Pocket or Two, immediately drawing the audience in with a brilliantly portrayed Fagin, a big personality character to bring to life. Striking the perfect balance between menacing and playful, the performer commanded the stage with confidence and flair, setting the tone for a classic, character-rich performance.
The cast held the audience’s attention throughout, using sharp dialogue and expressive acting to bring the story vividly to life. Each performer fully embraced their roles, delivering a performance steeped in the charm and character of this much-loved musical.
The performance concluded with Cheerio, But Be Back Soon, a joyful number that perfectly captured the spirit of Oliver. The infectious energy, commitment to character, and sheer enjoyment of performing shone through, leaving the audience smiling and hopeful that this talented young cast will return to the stage soon, ready to delight with their infectious enthusiasm once more.
Sheffield – Juliet’s Era – &Juliet
Sheffield brought the perfect finale to the first act with Juliet’s Era, delivering a vibrant celebration of girl power, pop anthems, and unstoppable energy. The costumes dazzled, complementing the heartfelt, high-octane choreography and perfectly capturing the spirit of & Juliet. From the very first note, the audience was treated to powerful vocals, beautiful harmonies, and performances bursting with character.
Street dance sequences were executed with precision and flair, showcasing some truly talented young performers. Shakespeare met Razzamataz in a thrilling twist, blending classic 90s pop with choreography and staging designed for today’s audiences. The result was an explosion of colour, movement, and talent that had the audience’s eyes darting across every part of the stage.
Every number was packed with energy and edge, demonstrating incredible dance skills and stage presence. There wasn’t a single down moment, with each cast member contributing to a show that was both technically impressive and immensely entertaining.
Act 2
Carlisle – Stars look down – Billy Elliot
Carlisle delivered a deeply moving and inspiring performance with Stars Look Down, a celebration of courage, identity, and the transformative power of the arts, the perfect Razzamataz story. This mature and sensitive piece explored what it truly means to have the courage to be yourself, resonating with both performers and audience alike.
Storytelling was at the heart of the performance, with song and dance working together to convey emotion, humour, and heart. The show balanced huge moments of laughter with the harsh realities of the 1980s picket lines, creating a nuanced and compelling narrative. Themes of inclusivity and self-expression shone throughout, reflecting the Razzamataz ethos of celebrating every young person’s individuality.
The performance crackled with electricity, bringing the house down as the cast expressed the joy of starting their own artistic journeys. Simple but powerful staging, combined with challenging contemporary choreography, highlighted the skill and dedication of every performer. Clever touches, such as miners’ headlamps and the evocative sound of the mine shaft descending, added depth and authenticity to the storytelling.
Yeovil – Girls and Boys Allowed – 90s Commercial
Yeovil brought the house down with Girls and Boys Allowed, taking the audience on a high-energy, fun-filled journey back to the 90s. The cast, many performing on a stage like this for the first time, delivered a vibrant Battle of the Bands that had everyone smiling and singing along.
This very young cast truly owned the stage, turning it into a party that they and the audience will remember for years to come. Full of humour and charm, the performance was a hit with parents and children alike, featuring iconic songs from the Spice Girls, Steps, and the festive favourite Stay Now.
While commercial music formed the backbone of the performance, Yeovil demonstrated how it can be creatively adapted for the West End stage, blending pop hits with the Razzamataz style of musical theatre, dance, and character work. The result was a lively, nostalgic, and thoroughly entertaining piece that highlighted the energy, confidence, and talent of this young cast.
Dumfries – Revolting Children – Matilda
Dumfries entertained the audience with their brilliant performance of Revolting Children, showcasing the unstoppable energy and talent that lies at the heart of Razzamataz. The sweet but cheeky Matilda cast shone with personality, confidence, and individuality, delivering a show that was as funny as it was full of heart.
The performance seamlessly combined soft, tender songs with sharp, precise choreography reminiscent of the iconic Matilda staging. Beautiful harmonies were interspersed with moments of comedy, demonstrating the cast’s impressive ability to convey a wide range of emotions. Solo performers had their moments to shine, giving the audience the chance to appreciate the depth of talent across the group.
Revolting Children brought huge energy, iconic moves, and pure joy to the stage. It was a truly fabulous experience for this young cast to tackle such a demanding show, and they did so with confidence, charm, and an infectious sense of fun that left the audience thoroughly impressed.
Brentwood, Romford & Hornchurch, Thurrock, Billericay, Chelmsford and Maldon – Zero to Hero – Hercules
This talented cast brought Zero to Hero to life with a vibrant, fun-filled performance full of sass, energy, and heart. A stunning combination of music, movement, and storytelling highlighted themes of courage, determination, and resilience, delivering a gorgeous piece of narrative that captivated the audience from start to finish.
The show was a visual feast, with vocal divas in gorgeous costumes creating a spectacular stage presence. Two boys sharing the role of Hercules injected the performance with boundless energy and charisma, while numerous solo vocals throughout the show were confident and commanding, each performer owning their moment on stage.
Humour and powerhouse vocals combined seamlessly with impressive choreography, making this piece both entertaining and inspiring. From start to finish, the cast demonstrated the Razzamataz ethos of performance excellence, fun, flair, and unforgettable stage presence.
Durham – You Can’t Stop the Beat – Hairspray
Durham brought the infectious energy of You Can’t Stop the Beat to the West End stage, capturing the spirit of inclusion, fun, and 60s glamour with flair. The cast burst on stage in a vibrant rainbow of costumes, their big smiles and joyful presence lighting up the theatre from the very first note.
The performance blended lively 60s dance moves with confident singing solos, giving individual performers the chance to shine and own their moment on stage, demonstrating remarkable poise and vocal skill.
Energy levels soared throughout, particularly during the finale, You Can’t Stop the Beat, where the entire cast came together in perfect harmony to deliver a thrilling, high-octane conclusion.
Brentwood, Romford & Hornchurch, Thurrock, Billericay, Chelmsford and Maldon – Her Story, Our Stage – Fantastically Great Women
Closing the gala with an unforgettable finale, this talented cast brought Her Story, Our Stage to life, celebrating courageous women who changed the world through resilience, determination, and belief. It was the perfect showcase of the Razzamataz ethos, giving students the chance to finish the show with energy, pride, and passion.
Fierce choreography, brilliant staging, and powerful storytelling combined to create striking tableaux, with every performer fully committed to their character. Simple yet impactful props added bursts of colour to the stage, celebrating icons like Frida Kahlo, while fast-paced rap lyrics portraying Emmeline Pankhurst were executed with confidence and flair.
The performance carried a bold message: daring to believe in yourself can change the world, a message perfectly embodied by the young performers on stage.
